The time had come to pack up our bags, say good-bye to San Cristobal Island and head off to our next Galapagos adventure, Floreana Island. Though small in human inhabitants, this island is long on history and full of adventures just waiting to be experienced.

Perhaps it’s the welcoming committee taking a snooze on the boat dock and apparently oblivious to the island’s latest arrivals, that indicates we are in for another awesome and unique Galapagos Islands adventure.

A Warm Welcome To Floreana Island

It’s not long before other members of the island’s more wild side make an appearance. In fact, this island’s sparse 200 human inhabitants are vastly out numbered by it’s non-human inhabitants. Surprising considering that Floreana Island was the first Galapagos Island inhabited by humans.

Why hello there! This cute but not so cuddly marine iguana was peacefully purveying his surroundings from atop his rocky perch. At least until we arrived! He didn’t seem to mind this latest human invasion all too much, though.

And here’s several of his friends, just hanging out along the rocks, soaking up the mid-morning sun. Smile for the camera, everyone!

Welcome To Your Beach Front Oasis

With such a small number of human inhabitants calling Floreana home, you aren’t going to find any 4-star resorts here. What you will find, though, is the simple, clean, Pension Wittmar, located front and center along Playa Negra. It’s also the only lodge on the island, so reserve your room in advance!

This beach front oasis is the perfect spot to set up for a day’s adventures, as well as to unwind at the end of the day. With such a relaxed atmosphere on this island, you will most likely have this beautiful, black sand beach all to yourself. Ok, maybe not all to yourself. You might have to share it with some of the local wildlife.

All checked in and ready to explore Floreana. First up? Snorkeling in the warm waters surrounding Playa Negra, and just steps away from Pension Wittmar. I wonder what underwater treasures await our discovery? Sea turtles, sea urchins, colorful fish, and a very photogenic sea cucumber, that’s what!

Meet The Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Up in the highlands of Floreana Island, there lives a magnificent creature. One that lazes the day away, munching on green veggies, slowly lumbering across the forest floor. It’s a creature that can live to be 180 years old!

Yes! It’s a giant tortoise meet and greet. The hike to this secluded tortoise reserve these Floreana residents call home is well worth the effort. It’s as if you stepped right into the midst of these gentle giants. Probably because you have. Just don’t get too close. They like their space. But you can get close enough for some amazing photos. Look how cute he is!

And so are his friends. Once the island’s main source of food, giant tortoises were wiped clean from Floreana Island. Now this group of giant tortoises has been given a new lease on life, and Floreana Island once again has giant tortoises ambling about it’s lands.

Exploring Island History and Mysteries

Humans initially “discovered” Floreana Island in the late 18th century. It began as a more transient stop-over, including pirates in search of fresh water to restock their ships with. Then there was the island’s first permanent resident, Patrick Watkins, who was marooned here in 1807. All alone, he was!

Hike into Asilo De la Paz. Experience the remains of these earliest island explorers. Ponder who might have carved that stone face. Imagine yourself a pirate, on watch high up in the hills for interlopers. Hunker down in one of the tiny caves, as stranded Mr. Watkins might have as he took shelter from the night air.

Head on over to Post Office Bay for another intriguing piece of island history. Whalers who once frequented this stretch of beach established a post office here in 1793. Yes, a post office! They would leave mail in barrels for home-ward bound ships to pick up and deliver. You can still carry on the whalers’ postal tradition today – leave a post card, and take one to be delivered.

A Majestic Sunset To End the Day

Oh what a way to end the day! Sipping a cool beverage, toes digging into warm beach sand, being serenaded by waves gently crashing ashore. All while gazing upon majestic brilliance as the sun fades into the horizon, heralding the end of another adventurous day.

Watch as the anchored boats rock to and fro, lulling their occupants into an evening bound to be as tranquil as this setting. Yep! Every room at this beach front oasis has a sunset view, and oh what a view it is! Quite spectacular, I might say.

But alas, all good things come to an end, as did this majestic sunset. Good night Floreana. Our beds are beckoning. We need a good nights’ sleep for what awaits us tomorrow, here in the Galapagos Islands.

Have you experienced Floreana Island? Have you spent the night on an island with so few human inhabitants, where you are more likely to run into wildlife than humans? Let us know your experiences in the Comments section below.

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All images by C.Biederman.

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Comments

I love that post office. Super creative idea for old whalers and also, a great way for current tourists to connect with folks from around the world. I thought we’d see a similar post office here in Savusavu, Fiji but it’s super modern 😉

The Galapagos are one of my dream trips for sure.

The iguanas look amazing.

Heck, anywhere in the world where 200 human inhabitants are outnumbered by the rest of life in that spot works for me because I enjoy getting back to nature. No better way to connect with life, to be present, and to appreciate the stunning beauty around you.

Hi Ryan, Thanks! The Post Office was pretty cool. And the Galapagos is a very special place. I hope you make it there one day. I’m sure you will really enjoy places like Floreana! And thanks for the Triberr Tweet!
Have a great day.